- The Hallmark Channel has announced its first scripted series, titled
"Cedar Cove," which is an adaptation of author Debbie Macomber's book series of the same name.
Andie MacDowell has been cast as Judge Olivia Lockhart, whose personal life often spills over into her courtroom. The debut two-hour movie will kick things off in 2012, with the series debuting in early 2013. [
Hallmark]

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"Nurse Jackie" has been renewed by Showtime for a fifth season, with Clyde Phillips, who served as executive producer and showrunner for "Dexter" for four years, tapped as the new showrunner. The fifth season of the Edie Falco dramedy will begin production in late 2012. [
Showtime]

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Robert Patrick has been promoted to series regular on the new ABC drama "Last Resort," about a nuclear submarine that docks at a NATO station in the Indian Ocean after refusing to follow some sketchy orders. Patrick plays the submarine's Master Chief. [
TV Line]

- The Emmys combined the movie and miniseries categories last year, and now it's collapsing the lead and supporting acting categories into one. Starting in 2013, there will only be "best actor in a minisieries or movie" and "best actress in a miniseries or movie," though the field will increase from five to six nominees. [
Emmys]

- Adam Harrington and
Currie Graham have been tapped to guest star on this season's "Drop Dead Diva" on Lifetime. Harrington ("The Secret Circle") will play a charming lawyer, while Graham ("Boston Legal") will play a counselor who works with Jane to defend her mother. [
TV Guide]

- TLC is spinning off
"Toddlers & Tiaras" star Alana, aka Honey Boo Boo. The cable channel has ordered six episodes of a show called
"Here Comes Honey Boo Boo," about Alana, her three older sisters and her parents. It premieres in August. [
TLC]